"But I..."
"Dmitri," I spoke into the phone. "Take Miss Vance home. Now."
"Yes, boss."
Isabella's smile completely froze.
She opened her mouth to say something, then fell silent under my cold stare.
"Well... alright then." She forced a smile. "I won't disturb you any longer."
She turned and left the study, her posture rigid.
After the door closed, I collapsed into my chair, taking a deep breath. Isabella was gentle and understanding—so why did my body instinctively reject her?
I closed my eyes, and another figure appeared unbidden in my mind.
Noelle.
Her cold eyes, stubborn expression, soft body... Damn it. I grabbed my coat. I needed some fresh air.
That evening, I met Kieran as planned.
This man who'd once nearly killed me now had gray hair and a face full of wrinkles. But those eyes were still cunning and ruthless.
"Morozov," he blew out a smoke ring, grinning with dark amusement. "Rare to see you honor an invitation."
"Cut to the chase. What do you want?"
"Straight to business." Kieran laughed. "I want to talk about the dock operations. You're eating the meat—how about letting us have some of the soup?"
"The docks belong to the Morozovs." My voice was ice-cold. "You want soup? Depends on whether you've earned it."
After some verbal sparring, he barely managed to trade a piece of real estate for scraps of port business.
Kieran shook his head. "Still so domineering. But..." He looked at me meaningfully. "Even the strongest fortress can fall to termites from within. Watch out for fires in your own backyard."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing much." Kieran's grin turned more sinister. "Just heard... your household has been quite lively lately. New bride, female houseguest... you're a lucky man indeed."
He knew about what was happening at the manor. Who had told him? My fists clenched, knuckles turning white.
"Kieran," my voice was cold as winter, "mind your own damn business."
"I wouldn't dare meddle in Morozov affairs." He spread his hands mockingly. "Just offering some friendly advice to an old friend—sometimes the most dangerous enemy isn't outside your walls, but lying right beside you in bed."
He stood up, brushing off nonexistent dust from his jacket.
"That's all for today. Think over the dock proposal. As for your domestic situation..." He shook his head with feigned regret, then closed the door and left. But his words had lodged themselves in my mind.
"The most dangerous enemy lies beside you in bed."
What was he implying? Noelle? Or...
I pulled out my phone and called Dmitri.
"Run background checks on everyone in the manor. Maids, butler, cook... everyone."
